Multifunctional liquid lens (MLL) for variable focus and variable aperture

This paper presents a novel multifunctional liquid lens (MLL) based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) actuation for high-performance miniature cameras. MLL firstly offers variable-focus and variable-aperture functions in a single lens system using sole EWOD actuation. The performance of MLL consisting of lens and iris units is experimentally verified. The variable-focus function of the lens unit and variable-aperture function of the iris unit are separately investigated using a prototype of MLL. Finally, as proof of concept, the simultaneous operations of variable-focus and variable-aperture functions of MLL are experimentally demonstrated using two transparent optical charts with the cloud and sun image.